Comagnetometer probes of dark matter and new physics

Abstract

We discuss the use of comagnetometry in studying new physics that couples to fermionic spin. Modern comagnetometry is -- in absolute energy units -- the most sensitive experimental technique for measuring the energy difference between quantum states, reaching sensitivities in the $10^{-26}\,$eV range. The technique suppresses the magnetic interactions of the spins, making searches for non-standard-model interactions possible. Many implementations have been developed and optimized for various uses. New physics scenarios which can be probed with comagnetometers include: EDMs, violations of Lorentz invariance, Goldstone bosons of new high-energy symmetries, CP-violating long-range forces, and axionic dark matter. We consider the prospects for improvements in the technique, and show -- based purely on signal-to-noise ratio with existing technology -- that there is room for several orders of magnitude in further improvement. We also evaluate several sources of systematic error and instability that may limit improvements.